Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive treatment for herniated discs, stenosis, fractures, and other spinal conditions
Overview
Spine surgery addresses conditions that cause pain, numbness, weakness, or instability in the neck and back. Dr. Meza specializes in both minimally invasive and open surgical approaches for a wide spectrum of spinal pathologies. Using advanced imaging and surgical techniques, he treats conditions ranging from herniated discs and spinal stenosis to vertebral fractures and degenerative disease. The goal is always to decompress neural structures, restore spinal stability, and relieve pain while preserving as much mobility as possible. When non-surgical options such as physical therapy and medication have been exhausted, surgery becomes a well-supported path to lasting relief.
Conditions Treated
- Herniated discs (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal cord compression
- Cauda equina syndrome
Our Approach
Dr. Meza employs minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, using smaller incisions and tubular retractors to reduce tissue disruption and speed recovery. For disc herniations, microdiscectomy is the most common procedure — a targeted removal of the herniated portion compressing the nerve root. For stenosis, laminectomy or laminoplasty creates more space for the spinal cord and nerve roots. Vertebral fractures may be treated with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to restore vertebral height and stability. Each surgical plan is based on detailed MRI and CT analysis to determine the optimal approach for the patient's specific anatomy and pathology.
What to Expect
The process begins with a thorough evaluation including a review of imaging studies, neurological examination, and a discussion of your symptoms and treatment history. If surgery is recommended, Dr. Meza will explain the specific procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery timeline. Many minimally invasive spine procedures are performed on an outpatient basis or require only a 1 to 2 day hospital stay. Recovery from minimally invasive procedures is typically 2 to 4 weeks, while more complex cases may require 6 to 8 weeks. Physical therapy is often part of the postoperative plan to restore strength and mobility.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments (physical therapy, medication, injections) have not provided adequate relief after 6 to 12 weeks, when there is progressive neurological decline (increasing weakness or numbness), or in emergencies such as cauda equina syndrome. Dr. Meza always explores non-surgical options first.
Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to reach the spine with less muscle and tissue disruption. This generally leads to less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Open surgery may be necessary for complex cases requiring greater surgical exposure. Dr. Meza recommends the approach that is safest and most effective for your condition.
In most cases, yes. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and function after surgery. Dr. Meza will provide specific rehabilitation recommendations tailored to your procedure and recovery progress.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Dr. Meza for a personalized consultation about your case
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